[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 176 (Wednesday, September 11, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55644-55648]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-21919]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0381; FRL-9396-9]
Styrene, Copolymers with Acrylic Acid and/or Methacrylic Acid;
Tolerance Exemption
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This regulation revises an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid and/or
methacrylic acid, with none and/or one or more of the following
monomers: Acrylamidopropyl methyl sulfonic acid, methallyl sulfonic
acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl
methacrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and/or
hydroxyethyl acrylate; and its sodium, potassium, ammonium,
monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine salts; the resulting polymer
having a minimum number average molecular weight (in amu), 1,200 when
used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation to
include the monomer lauryl methacrylate. Toxcel, (7140 Heritage Village
Plaza, Gainesville, VA 20156) on behalf of Akzo Nobel Surface
Chemistry, (909 Mueller Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37406) submitted a
petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA),
requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.
DATES: This regulation is effective September 11, 2013. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before November 12, 2013,
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0381. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index available at http://www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information (CBI)
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain
other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the
Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are available in the electronic
docket at http://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard
copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S-4400, One Potomac
Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The Docket
Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703)
305-5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lois Rossi, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 305-7090; email address: RDFRNOTICE@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
Crop production (NAICS code 111).
Animal production (NAICS code 112).
Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?
You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR
part 180 through the Government Printing
[[Page 55645]]
Office's e-CFR site at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.
C. Can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0381 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
November 12, 2013. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of
the filing that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public
docket. Information not marked confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2
may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice. Submit a copy of
your non-CBI objection or hearing request, identified by docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0381 by one of the following methods.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public
Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P),
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South
Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only
accepted during the Docket Facility's normal hours of operation (8:30
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays).
Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed
information. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
In the Federal Register of July 19, 2013 (78 FR 43118) (FRL-9392-
9), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408 of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C.
346a, announcing the receipt of a pesticide petition ((PP) IN-10551))
filed by Toxcel, (7140 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville, VA 20156)
on behalf of Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry, (909 Mueller Ave.,
Chattanooga, TN 37406). The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.960 be
amended by revising an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance
for residues of styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid and/or
methacrylic acid, with none and/or one or more of the following
monomers: Acrylamidopropyl methyl sulfonic acid, methallyl sulfonic
acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl
methacrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and/or
hydroxyethyl acrylate; and its sodium, potassium, ammonium,
monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine salts; the resulting polymer
having a minimum number average molecular weight (in amu), 1,200 to
include the monomer lauryl methacrylate. That notice included a summary
of the petition prepared by the petitioner and solicited comments on
the petitioner's request. The Agency received one comment from a
private citizen who opposed the authorization to sell any pesticide
that leaves a residue on food. The Agency understands the commenter's
concerns and recognizes that some individuals believe that no residue
of pesticides should be allowed. The Agency has a large database which
indicates that compounds of this nature will not cause residues which
exceed the Agency's level of concern. Under the existing legal
framework provided by section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) EPA is authorized to establish pesticide
tolerances or exemptions where persons seeking such tolerances or
exemptions have demonstrated that the pesticide meets the safety
standard imposed by the statute.''
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue,
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through
drinking water and use in residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
give special consideration to exposure of infants and children to the
pesticide chemical residue in establishing an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance and to ``ensure that there is a reasonable
certainty that no harm will result to infants and children from
aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue . . .'' and
specifies factors EPA is to consider in establishing an exemption.
III. Risk Assessment and Statutory Findings
EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only
in those cases where it can be shown that the risks from aggregate
exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably foreseeable
circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human health. In order
to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide inert
ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the inert in
conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert ingredient
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as
a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA is able to
determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate
exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the requirement of
a tolerance may be established.
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of
this action and considered its validity, completeness and reliability
and the relationship of this information to human risk. EPA has also
considered available information concerning the variability of the
sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including
infants and children. In the case of certain chemical substances that
are defined as polymers, the Agency has established a set of criteria
to identify categories of polymers expected to present minimal or no
risk. The definition of a polymer is given in 40 CFR 723.250(b) and the
exclusion criteria for identifying these low-risk polymers are
described in 40 CFR 723.250(d). Styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid
and/or methacrylic acid, with none and/or one or more of the following
monomers: Acrylamidopropyl methyl sulfonic acid, methallyl sulfonic
acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl
methacrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and/or
hydroxyethyl acrylate, and its sodium, potassium, ammonium,
monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine salts; (hereafter referred to as
styrene, copolymers with acrylic
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acid and/or methacrylic acid) conforms to the definition of a polymer
given in 40 CFR 723.250(b) and meets the following criteria that are
used to identify low-risk polymers.
1. The polymer is not a cationic polymer nor is it reasonably
anticipated to become a cationic polymer in a natural aquatic
environment.
2. The polymer does contain as an integral part of its composition
the atomic elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
3. The polymer does not contain as an integral part of its
composition, except as impurities, any element other than those listed
in 40 CFR 723.250(d)(2)(ii).
4. The polymer is neither designed nor can it be reasonably
anticipated to substantially degrade, decompose, or depolymerize.
5. The polymer is manufactured or imported from monomers and/or
reactants that are already included on the TSCA Chemical Substance
Inventory or manufactured under an applicable TSCA section 5 exemption.
6. The polymer is not a water absorbing polymer with a number
average molecular weight (MW) greater than or equal to 10,000 daltons.
Additionally, the polymer also meets as required the following
exemption criteria specified in 40 CFR 723.250(e).
7. The polymer's number average MW of 1,200 daltons is greater than
1,000 and less than 10,000 daltons. The polymer contains less than 10%
oligomeric material below MW 500 and less than 25% oligomeric material
below MW 1,000 and the polymer does not contain any reactive functional
groups. Thus, styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid and/or methacrylic
acid meets the criteria for a polymer to be considered low risk under
40 CFR 723.250. Based on its conformance to the criteria in this unit,
no mammalian toxicity is anticipated from dietary, inhalation, or
dermal exposure to styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid and/or
methacrylic acid.
IV. Aggregate Exposures
For the purposes of assessing potential exposure under this
exemption, EPA considered that styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid
and/or methacrylic acid could be present in all raw and processed
agricultural commodities and drinking water, and that non-occupational
non-dietary exposure was possible. The number average MW of styrene,
copolymers with acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid is 1,200 daltons.
Generally, a polymer of this size would be poorly absorbed through the
intact gastrointestinal tract or through intact human skin. Since
styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid conforms
to the criteria that identify a low-risk polymer, there are no concerns
for risks associated with any potential exposure scenarios that are
reasonably foreseeable. The Agency has determined that a tolerance is
not necessary to protect the public health.
V. Cumulative Effects From Substances With a Common Mechanism of
Toxicity
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when considering
whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the Agency
consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative effects of
a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances that have a
common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA has not found styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid and/or
methacrylic acid to share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other
substances, and styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid and/or
methacrylic acid does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced
by other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action,
therefore, EPA has assumed that styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid
and/or methacrylic acid does not have a common mechanism of toxicity
with other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to
determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to
evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's Web site
at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
VI. Additional Safety Factor for the Protection of Infants and Children
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply an
additional tenfold margin of safety for infants and children in the
case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal
toxicity and the completeness of the data base unless EPA concludes
that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants and
children. Due to the expected low toxicity of styrene, copolymers with
acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, EPA has not used a safety factor
analysis to assess the risk. For the same reasons the additional
tenfold safety factor is unnecessary.
VII. Determination of Safety
Based on the conformance to the criteria used to identify a low-
risk polymer, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty of no
harm to the U.S. population, including infants and children, from
aggregate exposure to residues of styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid
and/or methacrylic acid.
VIII. Other Considerations
A. Existing Exemptions From a Tolerance
There are no existing exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance.
B. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance without any numerical limitation.
C. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint U.N. Food and
Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food standards
program, and it is recognized as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established a MRL for styrene, copolymers with
acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid.
IX. Conclusion
Accordingly, EPA finds that exempting residues of styrene,
copolymers with acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid from the
requirement of a tolerance will be safe.
X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes a tolerance under section 408(d) of
FFDCA in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these rules from review under
Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR
51735, October 4, 1993). Because this final rule has been exempted from
review under Executive Order 12866, this final rule is not subject to
Executive Order 13211, entitled Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355,
May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children
from
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Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23,
1997). This final rule does not contain any information collections
subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it involve any technical standards that
would require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards
pursuant to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15
U.S.C. 272 note).
Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as the tolerance in
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) do not apply.
This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. As such, the Agency has determined that
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or otherwise have any unique
impacts on local governments. Thus, the Agency has determined that
Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000) do not
apply to this final rule. In addition, this final rule does not impose
any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law
104-4).
Although this action does not require any special considerations
under Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994), EPA seeks to achieve
environmental justice, the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of
any group, including minority and/or low-income populations, in the
development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws,
regulations, and policies. As such, to the extent that information is
publicly available or was submitted in comments to EPA, the Agency
considered whether groups or segments of the population, as a result of
their location, cultural practices, or other factors, may have atypical
or disproportionately high and adverse human health impacts or
environmental effects from exposure to the pesticide discussed in this
document, compared to the general population. The Agency received one
comment from a private citizen who opposed the authorization to sell
any pesticide that leaves a residue on food. The Agency understands the
commenter's concerns and recognizes that some individuals believe that
no residue of pesticides should be allowed. The Agency has a large
database which indicates that compounds of this nature will not cause
residues which exceed the Agency's level of concern. Under the existing
legal framework provided by section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), EPA is authorized to establish pesticide
tolerances or exemptions where persons seeking such tolerances or
exemptions have demonstrated that the pesticide meets the safety
standard imposed by the statute.
XI. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report to each House of the Congress and to
the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report
containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the
United States prior to publication of this rule in the Federal
Register. This rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: August 29, 2013.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
PART 180--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
0
2. In Sec. 180.960, the table is amended by revising the entry for
``styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, with
none and/or one or more of the following monomers: Acrylamidopropyl
methyl sulfonic acid, methallyl sulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate,
3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl
acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and/or hydroxyethyl acrylate; and
its sodium, potassium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine
salts; the resulting polymer having a minimum number average molecular
weight (in amu), 1,200'' to read as follows:
Sec. 180.960 Polymers; exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance.
* * * * *
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Polymer CAS No.
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* * * * * * *
Styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid and/or None.
methacrylic acid, with none and/or one or more
of the following monomers: Acrylamidopropyl
methyl sulfonic acid, methallyl sulfonic acid,
3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 3-sulfopropyl
methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate,
hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl
methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, and/or
lauryl methacrylate; and its sodium,
potassium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, and
triethanolamine salts; the resulting polymer
having a minimum number average molecular
weight (in amu), 1200.
* * * * * * *
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[FR Doc. 2013-21919 Filed 9-10-13; 8:45 am]
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